Conversations with Jamie Gajewski

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jamie Gajewski. 

Hi Jamie, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Soaked in Bleach started a year after I moved out of Live Rite Recovery Homes in 2020. During my time at Live Rite, I focused on my own personal growth. At the time it was a life-or-death situation for me… all my other attempts at recovery my focus was off. I got into relationships and friendships too quickly that ended up being toxic, started smoking weed in early recovery (which I do not recommend doing, but I smoke majiuana as of now), went to shady recovery homes out of state that would pay me to get high and then charge my insurance double for my piss in a cup. That was a shit show. So, I knew I had to do something different. While I was at Live Rite, many people complimented my music taste and said I was an “old soul” because I love all music and fashion no matter what decade. In a weird way, that kind of made me feel like I fit in somewhere. It was strange and different forming relationships/friendships without drugs, but you need to be uncomfortable in order to grow. I stayed there for well over a year and then the pandemic happened. I moved out and started to isolate again. In 2021, I lost a lot of loved ones dear to my heart. I would play songs over and over again that reminded me of them and it put me in a horrible state of mind. I missed the community and support like I had living in a sober home. But I wasn’t getting high anymore, just extremely depressed and felt alone. I had a lot of free time being laid off during the pandemic, so I started to apply the healthy coping skills I learned over the years and started to craft, attend local shows occasionally, found a therapist, and began to make new friends. Maybe I didn’t have to romanticize old friendships so much and the music that came attached with the memories. After all, I know my loved ones that have passed on would want me to be happy and not stuck in the past. New music. New memories. I loved it. Also, a lot of people might not be aware about the amazing music Detroit has to offer. Since I was young, I loved making mix cd’s for my family and friends, or being in charge of the tunes in the car. When I introduce someone to a new song and they love it- man that is truly the best feeling in the world to me. I started to promote more band tees in my brand because ultimately music is what ended up saving my life, but specifically the local music. I am no longer brainwashing myself with old songs as much and old memories that left me severly depressed. (Thank you.) 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I own @soakedinbleachmi and write for Rock at Night Magazine. I am mostly proud of my people for being so talented and having the opportunity to promote their music through my clothing line. 

What do you think about luck?
I’m not so sure if I believe in luck or not. I think when I have a supportive community around me is when myself and my business do best. 

Contact Info:

• Email: s04kedinbl34ch@gmail.com
• Website: linktr.ee/s04kedinbl34ch
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/soakedinbleachmi
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/s04kedinbl34ch/
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5jta67WrCJ7W7jGMimzNk8?si=u75jDCRRS3WaaM10A2eHDA